DEBORAH Hadfield was accustomed to standing in front of a camera as a reporter for Central News in Nottingham a few years ago.

These days, she is more likely to be behind it as a movie director.

Her first feature film, The Kindness of Strangers, stars Dave Prowse – the body of Darth Vader in Star Wars – as the father of a man who treks across Europe in search of the truth behind his sister's death.

"He is a real gentleman," said Deborah, who runs Queen Bee Films.

"Because he's famous for being Darth Vader and the Green Cross Code Man, people don't realise he's worked with some of the most famous directors in the business, such as Stanley Kubrick in A Clockwork Orange.

"He's very passionate and knowledgeable about film. I learned a lot from him."

The difference between reporting the news and movie-making is like comparing a 100-metre sprint to a marathon, says Deborah.

"Both are storytelling. As a reporter, the key difference is the length of time it takes. You go out, interview people, put it together and that night it's going out on air. It's a huge adrenalin rush.

"Making a film is still story-telling but a lot more in-depth and time-consuming. When it finally comes together, it's incredible."

The film, premiered at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, was shot on location across Europe and the Midlands – from the breathtaking Amalfi coast, Monte Carlo and the Alps to Burton and Swadlincote.

The time schedule in France and Italy was so tight that they often worked through the night, getting by on an hour's sleep.

Joining Deborah to complete the Nottingham contingent are director of photography David Meads and editor Nick Kirk, who both live in Nottingham, while actress Holly Kenyon, who plays Parisian bar worker, Beatrice, grew up on a farm in Kinoulton.

The idea of a road movie featuring a stranger with a secret who falls in love was thought up by Deborah and Nottingham actor Toby Kebbell.

"I first had the idea in 2007 and we just started putting it together after Toby filmed RocknRolla and was going to film Prince of Persia. It took off so he's been busy ever since and I was waiting for him to be available so we started working on it in earnest in spring 2009."

The Kindness of Strangers has been nominated for six awards at the International Filmmakers Festival of World Cinema, including best film.

Deborah picked up nominations for best director and best producer.

Jason Stevens is up for best actor, Tabatha Williams for best actress and Dave Prowse for best supporting actor.

Dave will be honoured at the awards ceremony in Kent next Thursday with a lifetime's achievement award.

The next step for Deborah is to strike a deal with a distributor.

For a sneak preview go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsbKkWQ2E34